Abstract: A burn/wound healing suit with circulating healing anesthetizing and antiseptic liquid. The healing suit is formed of modular parts, including a torso part, upper extremity parts, and lower extremity parts. Each modular part tapers at an end where it connects to another modular part, or seals at this end to be used individually. A connection part is a rigid tube that goes between the connecting parts to enable fluid connection between the different parts. The fluid is circulated by a pump, and heated and filtered to maintain a sterile environment.

Abstract: A mechanical control logic actuator for a vacuum toilet includes: a pneumatic valve assembly configured to control an air path of the vacuum toilet and a sewage tank; a vacuum tank configured to provide vacuum compensation for the sewage tank; a first pressure tank configured to provide a power source for the pneumatic valve assembly; a second pressure tank configured to feed gas into the sewage tank; and a sewage pipe configured to discharge sewage in the sewage tank; wherein the first pressure tank controls the air path to be in a circulation state or in a cut-off state through the pneumatic valve assembly, the vacuum tank provides vacuum compensation for the sewage tank, the sewage in the toilet is pumped into the sewage tank, the second pressure tank feeds gas into the sewage tank, the sewage tank is pressurized and the sewage is discharged through the sewage pipe.

Abstract: A toilet for a zero-gravity condition, having: a seat extending from a first end to a second end, and from a first side to a second side; a leg rest at the first end of the seat that is level with the seat; a backrest at the second end of the seat that extends away from the seat, toward an outer end of the toilet, a first sidewall at the first side of the seat and a second sidewall at the second side of the seat, the sidewalls extend away from the seat toward the outer end of the toilet; a basin extending away from the seat toward an inner end of the toilet; a first inflatable member extending about the leg rest, the sidewalls and the backrest, the first inflatable member is configured to inflate against a back, sides and under legs of a person seated against the seat.

Abstract: A line assembly for installation in an aircraft fuselage includes a first line section having a first diameter, a second line section having a second diameter, a set of first line brackets, and a set of second line brackets. The first line brackets include a first receiving space configured to hold the first line section and a first support portion for attaching the first line brackets to a fuselage structural part. The second line brackets include a second receiving space configured to hold the second line section and a second support portion for attaching the second line brackets to the first line section. The second line section includes a higher flexibility than the first line section. The second line section is attached to the first line section through a plurality of second line brackets arranged at a distance to and independent from the first line brackets.

Abstract: A modular floor system with an integral utility for temporary installation in an unfinished aircraft fuselage to facilitate construction. The system includes multiple floor modules, each including a catch pan defining a pan volume, a grid top surface supported on the catch pan over the pan volume, and a utility manifold carrying a utility across the module and to the next module. The modules may be sized and shaped to conform to different installation locations within the vehicle body. The grid top surface is openable to access the pan volume to remove debris or items. Adjacent modules are coupled together with connectors. The utility may be vacuum, air, electricity, or water, and one manifold may carry air and another manifold may carry vacuum. A fixture may be connected to the vacuum manifold and receive an end of a drill so as to remove debris resulting from operation of the drill.

Abstract: A system for waste system pressure management is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the system includes an electronically controlled valve and a controller communicatively coupled to the electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is coupled to a suction path of an aircraft waste system. The controller is configured to determine a pressure differential between an aircraft cabin and a vacuum source for the suction path. The controller is further configured to generate one or more signals to actuate the electronically controlled valve from a first position to a second position to regulate a pressure in the suction path when the pressure differential between the aircraft cabin and the vacuum source exceeds a threshold pressure differential. In embodiments, the electronically controlled valve is configured to allow more airflow through the electronically controlled valve in the second position than in the first position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a liquid level sensor system that allows ease of connection and disconnection of a removable vessel (such as a toilet bowl) from a stationary unit (such as a toilet frame). The system provides at least one liquid level sensor (a first part of the sensor probe connection) mounted to the removable vessel, a liquid level sensor circuit board mounted to the unit, and a connection feature (a second part of a sensor probe connection) configured to extend between the sensor and the circuit board. When the removable vessel is removed from the vessel, the sensor probe connection is disconnected without the need for manual intervention. Installation of multiple probes and varying their location can support detection of a single or several discrete levels, or provide for any required redundancy of detection.

Abstract: A method of installing a toilet system on board an aircraft is generally described. The toilet system includes a base support having a right base support and a left base support, a toilet bowl, a right side support and a left side support each supporting the toilet bowl. The method comprises lowering the toilet bowl on to the base supports to at least partially engage a first locking mechanism; sliding the toilet bowl in a forward direction to engage a second locking mechanism; and inserting a first pin to couple the right base support to the right side support and a second pin to couple the left base support to the left side support in order to completely engage the first locking mechanism.

Abstract: A toilet used in outer space comprises a housing, a gathering system and a collecting system installed in the housing, wherein the gathering system is an electric feeding mechanism with a conveying channel, a spiral shaft, an inlet member fitted to the conveying channel, and an outlet member formed on the conveying channel, the spiral shaft is placed in the conveying channel to move axially relative to the conveying channel, and includes a cleaner located below the conveying channel and inserting through the conveying channel having a sleeve member fitted to an output gear thereof, and the sleeve member actuates the spiral shaft to rotate via a pillar and includes a tab disposed on an inner wall thereof to correspond to the spiral groove, between the pillar and the conveying channel is defined a compression spring; the gathering system being connected to the outlet member.

Abstract: A toilet area for an aircraft cabin comprising an access door and housing a toilet bowl. The toilet area also comprises an evacuation exit, the access door occupying a closed position in the toilet area in a toilet configuration and a folded position in the toilet area in an evacuation configuration. Usage in particular in a flying wing aircraft is provided.

Abstract: A waste handling system includes a waste processing unit that includes a urine inlet configured to receive urine from a urinal. A pumping element is fluidly connected between the urine inlet and the urine outlet. A distribution system with a differential pressure valve selectively fluidly connects the urine outlet to first and second urine storage containers. The distribution system includes a switching system that selectively fluidly connects the urinal to the first and second urinal storage containers in response to an input. Each urine storage containers includes a cavity with a bag. The bag is movable between first and second volumes. An electrical switch communicates with the bag and includes first and second contact elements biased apart from one another in a first condition that corresponds to the first volume. The first and second contact elements electrically engage one another in a second condition corresponding to the second volume.

Abstract: A waste handling system includes a waste processing unit that includes a urine inlet configured to receive urine from a urinal. A pumping element is fluidly connected between the urine inlet and the urine outlet. A distribution system with a differential pressure valve selectively fluidly connects the urine outlet to first and second urine storage containers. The distribution system includes a switching system that selectively fluidly connects the urinal to the first and second urinal storage containers in response to an input. Each urine storage containers includes a cavity with a bag. The bag is movable between first and second volumes. An electrical switch communicates with the bag and includes first and second contact elements biased apart from one another in a first condition that corresponds to the first volume. The first and second contact elements electrically engage one another in a second condition corresponding to the second volume.

Abstract: A waste collection unit includes a motor supported by a housing. A fan is coupled to the motor by a first member configured to provide a rotational input speed. A liquid-gas separator is coupled to a second member configured to provide a rotational output speed. A speed reduction device is coupled to the first and second members. The speed reduction device is configured to provide a rotational output speed that is less than the rotational input speed. In another embodiment, the fan is arranged in the housing and is directly coupled to the motor by the first member. The fan includes first and second sides respectively including first and second pumping elements. A first waste collection line fluidly connects a urinal to the first side. A second waste collection line fluidly connects a fecal storage container to the second side.

Abstract: A toilet monument is provided, in particular for a passenger transport vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to a receptacle that is configured to receive a mobile sanitary unit. The mobile sanitary unit includes, but is not limited to components for operating the sanitary unit. The mobile sanitary unit may be removed completely from the toilet monument in order to make it possible to affect decentralized cleaning and servicing of the mobile sanitary unit. The term mobile sanitary unit refers, for example, to a toilet unit, a hand wash facility, a urinal or a shower unit.

Abstract: The system for flushing a vacuum toilet contains a urinal basin having a drain, which is connected to a drain line, and a bypass line, into which the drain line discharges, and which is connectable via a suction valve to a vacuum system. By generating a main air current in the bypass line and a secondary air current in the drain line, a noise emission in the area of the urinal basin may be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A vacuum waste system for use in a vehicle, such as a aircraft. The vacuum waste system includes a lightweight base assembly and a lightweight toilet bowl assembly mounted to the top of the base assembly. The toilet bowl assembly has downwardly extending members that engage in a sliding manner with horizontally extending members at the top of the base assembly to thus secure the toilet bowl assembly to the base assembly. A fastener, such as a nut and bolt assembly, can be coupled to the toilet bowl assembly and base assembly using a tool to thus secure the toilet bowl assembly to the base assembly.

Abstract: A lavatory pan washing apparatus includes a water supply unit supplying washing water into a rim so that a whirling flow is formed in a lavatory bowl, an air inlet pipe connected to a water discharge channel continuing to the downstream side of a water sealing portion of a pan, an air sucking unit sucking air through the pipe from the channel, and a control unit configured to activate the water supply unit at a time of washing of the pan so that the washing water is supplied into the water sealing portion. The control unit is configured to start activation of the air sucking unit after rise of a water level in the lavatory bowl, so that air is sucked through the pipe from the channel. The control unit is configured to deactivate the water supply unit after air has flowed through the air inlet pipe into the channel.

Abstract: A toilet used in outer space comprises a housing, a gathering system and a collecting system installed in the housing, wherein the gathering system is an electric feeding mechanism with a conveying channel, a spiral shaft, an inlet member fitted to the conveying channel, and an outlet member formed on the conveying channel, the spiral shaft is placed in the conveying channel to move axially relative to the conveying channel, and includes a cleaner located below the conveying channel and inserting through the conveying channel having a sleeve member fitted to an output gear thereof, and the sleeve member actuates the spiral shaft to rotate via a pillar and includes a tab disposed on an inner wall thereof to correspond to the spiral groove, between the pillar and the conveying channel is defined a compression spring; the gathering system being connected to the outlet member.

Abstract: A vacuum waste system for use in a vehicle, such as a aircraft. The vacuum waste system includes a lightweight base assembly and a lightweight toilet bowl assembly mounted to the top of the base assembly. The toilet bowl assembly has downwardly extending members that engage in a sliding manner with horizontally extending members at the top of the base assembly to thus secure the toilet bowl assembly to the base assembly. A fastener, such as a nut and bolt assembly, can be coupled to the toilet bowl assembly and base assembly using a tool to thus secure the toilet bowl assembly to the base assembly.

Abstract: A system for flushing a vacuum toilet in an aircraft, with a bowl drain for removing toilet waste water from a bowl, a drain line, a bypass flow line for feeding-in air, a drainage valve and a waste water line. The bowl drain and the bypass flow line are connectable to the drain line, and the drainage valve on the input side is connectable to the drain line, and on the output side is connectable to a waste water line. In an implementation of the vacuum toilet as a vacuum urinal, the system may provide either water flushing or waterless flushing.

Abstract: A toilet at least includes a container, a cover, and an inflator. The container includes a top opening and a bottom drain. The cover connects the container with a pivot for selectively shielding or exposing the top opening. When the cover shields the opening, the inflator supplies air into the container and makes the air pressure inside the container higher than the outside. And therefore, air flows and takes away wastes through the drain to the outside of the toilet due to the pressure differential.

Abstract: A waterless vacuum toilet system for an aircraft includes a toilet bowl connected via a suction valve and a waste collection pipe to a waste collection tank. Waste-contacting surfaces that come into contact with urine and fecal waste are coated with an adhesion-inhibiting or adhesion-reducing nanocoating. The adhesion of waste is significantly reduced, and the need for flushing water is completely eliminated. Instead, an air jet arrangement preferably including an annular ring nozzle or annular air gap directs an airflow into the toilet bowl and along the nanocoated waste-contacting surface thereof, to “air flush” the waste material from these surfaces. The flushing airflow may be induced through the air jet arrangement into the toilet bowl by the suction applied through the suction valve. The “air flushed” toilet system substantially reduces the total system weight and eliminates the need for toilet flushing water to be carried in the aircraft.

Abstract: A vacuum toilet system for a vehicle, notably a passenger aircraft, comprising a plurality of toilets (1), a collecting tank (4), a duct system (3) which connects the toilets (1) with the collecting tank (4) via one flush valve (2) per toilet, a vacuum generator (5) which is connected to the collecting tank (4) in a fluidic manner, a flush water tank (8) and a flush water system (9), which connects the toilets (1) via one flush water valve (10) each and/or via a flush water pump with the flush water tank (8). A flush control (11) which acts on the flush valve (2) and the flush water valve (10) or flush water pump of the individual toilets (1) and can be actuated via an actuating means (12) assigned to the toilet. A standard flush program is stored in said control.

Abstract: A system is described for the treatment of aircraft toilet waste water to permit discharge of the treated water to the atmosphere during flight, utilizing the pressure differential that is created between the aircraft's cabin pressure and the external atmosphere. The system includes a filter to remove suspended solids and other contaminants from the waste water, and may also include means to purify the water to potable water standards and means to recirculate the treated water for reuse on the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and system are described for the treatment of aircraft toilet waste water to permit discharge of the treated water to the atmosphere during flight, utilizing the pressure differential that is created between the aircraft's cabin pressure and the external atmosphere. The system includes a filter to remove suspended solids and other contaminants from the waste water, and may also include means to purify the water to potable water standards and means to recirculate the treated water for re-use on the aircraft.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for non-chemical disinfection of a wide variety of biologically contaminated water streams include a canister with flow control means built therein such that a small portion of a water stream is exposed to disinfecting salts and returned to the principal stream to be treated. An ionized oxidizing gas plasma is also added, together with streams of metallic ions. Improved compositions of sacrificial electrodes for providing disinfectant metallic ions to a flow stream are also disclosed. The invention is described in connection with disinfecting recirculated water as used in cooling tower recirculated water air conditioning plants, commercial laundries, and aircraft head flush water, among other industrial water reclamation uses.

Abstract: A collection, storage and disposal system for human wastes. An externally positionable patient interface directs wastes through a conduit to a storage container. Accumulated wastes are sealed within the storage container to prevent cross-contamination. The patient interface is extendable through an aperture formed within a seat portion of a support structure which can be converted between bed and chair configurations. A mattress has a foam insert which may be selectively inflated to maintain desired supporting pressure for the patient and to provide a resilient support surface should deflation of the mattress occur.

Abstract: An automatic stool and urine disposing apparatus provides disposal even if a patient is unconscious or is disabled, without requiring the help of a care taker. This apparatus is composed of a wearing section, a disposal device installed in an aperture in the wearing section, a washing device incorporated in the disposal device, and a driving section for operating the device. The wearing section includes a disposing device having a fan operated by a motor, a water detecting sensor, a discharge aperture, and washing water and air supply holes. Also attached to the wearing section is an inflatable pressing tube which prevents leakage. The driving section includes relays for operating the disposing device in response to the presence of material to be disposed.

Abstract: A vacuum sewer arrangement comprises a valve controlled air inlet duct to let air into the vacuum sewer at a position downstream of the sewer valve. The sewer valve can then be closed immediately after the sewage has passed into the vacuum sewer, because the air required for the sewage transport is received from the air inlet duct. Hence, the amount of air that flows into the sewer through the sewer valve when the sewer valve opens is small, and when the sewer valve is closed, air flows through the air inlet duct into the sewer, which reduces the pressure difference acting on the sewer valve. These measures tend to considerably reduce the noise level. In the case of a vacuum toilet sewer arrangement, the noise level can be further reduced by providing the toilet bowl with a lid forming a substantially airtight and soundproof closure at the top of the bowl.

Abstract: A drain valve is provided for connection to a water supply line for draining water in a vacuum flush aircraft sanitation system. The valve comprises a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing also includes a pressure chamber with a diaphragm that is normally biased to a first position by a spring when the chamber is depressurized. This allows water to flow from the fluid inlet to the drain outlet and ultimately to drain mast of the aircraft. When the chamber is pressurized, however, the diaphragm moves to a second position which operates a linkage mechanism that moves a plug against a seat in the drain outlet to close the drain outlet so that rinse water does not drain from the valve's fluid inlet. A sanitation system also is disclosed, in which grey water from the aircraft lavatory sink is collected and transferred under pressure through a rinse line to flush a toilet bowl when the drain valve is closed.

Abstract: A vacuum flush water closet having the bowl, rim and pedestal made of china. The water closet has a self contained flushing water dispensing valve and sewage discharge valve control system operatively mounted around and under the bowl. The water closet is secured to the floor/deck by use of a base mounting plate. The sewage discharge valve is fixedly secured to the underside of the bowl and the said valve is manually opened and spring closed. Flushing water is supplied through a flexible flush tube mounted around the underside of the upper rim of the bowl. The flushing water is directed by a vacuum operated water dispensing valve. The operation of the water dispensing valve is controlled by a 3-way vacuum switch. The sewage discharge valve is manually operated by a foot pedal mounted below and in front of the bowl. The duration of the sewage discharge valve opening time is controlled by the manual operation and release of the foot pedal.

Abstract: A toilet, particularly adapted for handling liquid and solid bodily waste in a zero gravity environment, including a housing with a main wall having a central waste-receiving opening therein, and a plurality of toroidal elements in close stacked relationship in a coaxial array that extends inwardly of the housing from the central opening, and a flexible, resilient inner wall of each element being inwardly expandable and retractable, and air compression and suction means in flow communication with each element for pneumatically expanding and contracting the flexible wall of each element. A flexible bag has an open end that mounts about the central opening, an elongated neck portion that is embraced by the toroidal elements, and another portion for accumulating waste material. The bag is porous to gases and impervious to solids and liquids. Spray means can inject a water spray at the central opening, and housing exhaust means can cause airflow into the open end of the bag and out through its porous walls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collection of fecal matter designed to operate efficiently in a zero gravity environment. The system comprises a waste collection area within a body having a seat opening. Low pressure within the waste collection area directs fecal matter away from the user's buttocks and prevents the escape of undesirable gases. The user actuates a piston covered with an absorbent pad that sweeps through the waste collection area to collect fecal matter, scrub the waste collector area, press the waste against an end of the waste collection area and retracts, leaving the used pad. Multiple pads are provided on the piston to accommodate multiple uses of the system. Also a valve allows air to be drawn through the body, which valve will not be plugged with fecal matter. A sheet feeder feeds fresh sheets of absorbent pad to a face of the piston with each actuation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collection of fecal matter designed to operate efficiently in a zero gravity environment. The system comprises a waste collection area within a body having a seat opening. Low pressure within the waste collection area directs fecal matter away from the user's buttocks and prevents the escape of undesirable gases. The user actuates a piston covered with an absorbent pad that sweeps through the waste collection area to collect fecal matter, scrub the waste collector area, press the waste against an end of the waste collection area and retracts, leaving the used pad. Multiple pads are provided on the piston to accommodate multiple uses of the system. Also a valve allows air to be drawn through the body, which valve will not be plugged with fecal matter. A sheet feeder feeds fresh sheets of absorbent pad to a face of the piston with each actuation.

Abstract: A waste tank cleaning system in a preferred embodiment includes a flowmeter interposed in the line carrying cleaning fluid to the tank. A pair of solenoid valves are controlled by an electronic counter coupled to the flowmeter. In response to predetermined volumetric flows of fluid, the solenoid valves alternatively deliver fluid to a hydraulically operated drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the waste tank. In one alternative embodiment, a flowmeter is mechanically coupled to a valve structure which alternatively applies fluid to the drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the tank, directly. In other embodiments, the volume of flow can be determined by liquid level sensors in the tank and a predetermined cleaning sequence can be carried out based on the signals sent by the sensors. Power can be furnished by a rechargeable power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection of fecal matter designed to operate efficiently in a zero gravity environment. The system comprises a waste collection area within a body having a seat opening. Low pressure within the waste collection area directs fecal matter away from the user's buttocks and prevents the escape of undesirable gases. The user actuates a piston covered with an absorbent pad that sweeps through the waste collection area to collect fecal matter, scrub the waste collector area, press the waste against an end of the waste collection area and retracts, leaving the used pad. Multiple pads are provided on the piston to accommodate multiple uses of the system. Also a valve allows air to be drawn through the body, which valve will not be plugged with fecal matter. A sheet feeder feeds fresh sheets of absorbent pad to a face of the piston with each actuation.

Abstract: A fluid-flow control valve comprises a valve housing bounding a chamber and defining an inlet port for entry of fluid into the chamber and a control port for egress of fluid from the chamber. The control port is of reduced cross-sectional area relative to the chamber. The valve also comprises a valve closure member disposed in the chamber. The valve closure member is less dense than the fluid that the valve is to be used to control, so that when the chamber contains that fluid and the control port is above the closure member, the valve closure member is urged toward the control port so as to obstruct the control port. The closure member can be displaced away from the control port so as to allow fluid to flow through the control port.

Abstract: A jet pump macerator pump sewage handling system which provides a unique waste control system for use in mobile units such as passenger trains and ships in which multiple toilets are connected to a transfer manifold pipe which communicates with a non-clogging jet pump which is formed with a venturi and through which liquid material is driven by a macerator pump. Waste material from the toilets is drawn by the jet pump through the transfer manifold pipe and discharged into the retention tank. The macerator pump withdraws material from the retention tank, grinds it and discharges it back into the retention tank. The macerator pump has a self-cleaning feature in that it reverses and cleans itself whenever a loss in discharge pressure due to excessive solids loading is sensed. The transfer manifold pipe is virtually free from clogging due to the action of an air induction valve which keeps waste material in the manifold pipe moving without allowing it to accumulate.

Abstract: A flush valve is provided for opening and closing a drain connecting a toilet bowl to a waste holding tank maintained at a partial vacuum. The flush valve is located external to the drain and comprises a pinch or nip mechanism surrounding a flexible section of the drain and an electro-mechanically operated actuator for moving the pinch mechanism to close the drain by pinching it shut or to open the drain by pulling it apart. The actuator includes a motor for moving a piston in opposite directions, and a cylinder having one end connected to the pinch mechanism and another end containing an enclosure. The piston is retained and reciprocable a limited distance within the enclosure, and a spring is interposed within the enclosure to provide biasing means between the piston and the cylinder.

Abstract: A vacuum toilet system comprises a waste-receiving bowl having an outlet, a sewer pipe that can be placed at a pressure that is lower than that in the interior of the waste-receiving bowl, and a discharge valve connected between the sewer pipe and the outlet of the waste-receiving bowl for controlling passage of material from the waste-receiving bowl to the sewer pipe. The discharge valve comprises a valve housing and a closure member. The closure member is movable relative to the valve housing between an pen position and a closed position. A drive mechanism is connected to the closure member for bringing about movement thereof relative to the valve housing. A sensing device provides a control signal in the event that the drive mechanism is not able to cause the closure member to attain its closed position.

Abstract: An automatic flushing apparatus for vacuum flow system urinals. A pressure ensing switch responds to the hydrostatic pressure resulting from one or two urinations and directs the system vacuum to both a water dispensing valve and the main discharge valve to automatically flush the system with a measured amount of water to prevent odors and soil drain scale buildup.

Abstract: A flexible valve element in the form of a flexible diaphragm movable between open and closed positions for opening or closing the drain. By operation of a control pressure chamber formed over the outer or exterior side of the diaphragm and which operates directly by application or pressure or vacuum to the same to move the diaphragm between the open and closed position. A control valve provides the connection from the control chamber to the passenger cabin to provide operating pressure for closing the valve and is alternatively connectable to an accumulator which stores vacuum normally supplied from a source such as that applied to the downstream side of the drain. The control valve is preferably operated by a solenoid which responds to an electrical signal. A manual override system is provided for closing the valve by hand.

Abstract: A urine suction and collection device for a vacuum suction type urinating aid which contains a urine receiver provided with a urine suction opening to be applied to a urinating region includes, a urine transport tube connected, at one end, with the urine receiver and connected, at the other end, with a urine tank, and a vacuum suction tube communicating with a vacuum suction device and, connected to the top of the urine tank. The vacuum comprising: said vacuum suction device positioned in a housing at the one side thereof. A cover fastened to the top of the housing at the other side thereof freely pivots around an axis at one end of the cover. Urine feed ports and air suction ports respectively are provided at the top of the urine tank put in the housing and at the bottom of the cover, and the urine feed port and the air suction port of the cover respectively are connected to the urine transport tube and the vacuum suction tube through passages in the cover.

Abstract: A method of flushing a toilet for aircraft or the line using vacuum and pressure, in which there is a toilet or other waste receiving bowl, a waste the holding tank, and a valve means for opening or closing the drain line. A vacuum is created in the waste holding tank and the drain line. The drain line is closed or opened by the action of the valve means. In the method the valve means is actuated by vacuum to open the drain line to connect the bowl to the holding tank to apply vacuum on the bowl to suck the contents from the bowl and deliver it to the holding tank. When the bowl has been emptied, pressure is applied to the valve means for closing the drain line to again build up vacuum in the system for subsequent operation.

Abstract: A drainage apparatus for an aircraft lavatory system includes a waste holding tank that receives waste from the individual toilet units. The waste holding tank has a pressurization port and a waste drain opening formed in an upper portion thereof. A blower is coupled to the pressurization port to force air into the tank to pressurize it, thereby forcing waste out of the tank through the waste drain opening. The waste travels through an internal waste drain conduit having a first end located at the bottom of the tank below the level of the waste and a second end coupled to the waste drain opening. Preferably, a flow control device is interposed in fluid communication between the blower and the pressurization port and is operable to direct the flow of air from the blower either into the tank for pressurization or out of the tank to create a partial vacuum within the tank to aid in vacuum flush of the toilet units. An auxiliary pressurization source is also provided in the event of blower failure.

Abstract: A sewer system in which partial vacuum is used for transporting sewage through a sewer pipe to a collecting chamber or the like. The system comprises only a few sewage producing units, preferably only one at a time usable unit. The length of the sewer pipe from a sewage producing unit to the collecting chamber is comparatively small and the operating devices of the system are arranged to generate vacuum in the sewer pipe principally only for the time required for transporting each separate sewage discharge emitted into the sewer pipe. Preferably, the operating devices are arranged to stop generating the vacuum before the actual transport of the sewage takes part.

Abstract: A sanitary toilet facility for disposal of human solid and liquid waste having a bowl section with a surface contoured to sealingly engage the body of the user. The bowl is connected to a waste disposal pipe to which is connected a vacuum source. Spray nozzles are arranged within the bowl directed toward the exposed body areas of the user and connected to a source of disinfectant and deodorant. Upon initiation of the cycle, which may be manual or automatic, a vacuum cycle is first initiated to withdraw waste. Thereafter, the spray system is initiated and thereafter a vacuum drying system. In another embodiment of the present invention, the facility has a bowl attached to a flexible waste hose for portability. In still another embodiment, the waste system may be in the form of a urinal for disposal of male liquid waste.

Abstract: A non-circulating vacuum operated waste disposal system for aircraft having a toilet bowl connected to a vacuum waste holding tank by a drain connected to said bowl and to the vacuum waste holding tank. There is a flush valve in the drain having a flexible valve element movable between open and closed positions for opening or closing the drain. There is a control pressure chamber adjacent to the flexible valve element with the valve element exposed directly to the pressure or vacuum which may be within said control chamber. The valve element is held in open or closed position with respect to the drain depending upon whether there is a pressure or a vacuum in the pressure chamber. There is a connection from the pressure chamber to the cabin of the aircraft and also to the drain on the vacuum side of the flush valve. A solenoid valve is provided in the connection which is manually operable to connect cabin pressure or the vacuum in the drain to said control pressure chamber.

Abstract: A human waste storage and disposal system for railroads including a toilet bowl, a discharge outlet connected to the bowl, a flushing fluid inlet for flushing the bowl and a vertically disposed receiver coupled to the outlet for receiving the contents discharged from the bowl. A macerator is coupled to both the receiver and a storage tank for withdrawing waste from the receiver, macerating the same and discharging it into the storage tank. Suitable controls are provided for disposing of the macerated waste in the tank in situ or on demand.

Abstract: In an airplane having a pressurized passenger section, with a lavatory sink. The waste water from the lavatory sink is directed either to a toilet tank where it is stored, or to a drain mast line where it is discharged overboard during in-flight operation. A particular fluidic diverting system is used so that when the pressure differential between the passenger compartment and ambient atmosphere is above a certain level, air from the passenger compartment passes through a vent line to cause the fluidic system to operate in a manner that substantially all the waste water is directed through the drain mast line.